A.V. man gets 25 years to life for killing woman with machete

VICTORVILLE • An Apple Valley man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison Friday morning after admitting to striking a woman in the head with a machete and killing her.

Defendant Nathan Uriah Schafer, 24, told investigators that the victim, Jendy Hanning, came to his house on July 4 to deliver drugs.

The two got into an argument, Schafer said, and he got a machete and hit Hanning in the head and neck and then dragged her to the bathroom. As she was still breathing, Schafer grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed Hanning in the neck, San Bernardino County Sheriff's officials said.

Schafer accepted the prosecution's offer and pleaded guilty last month to second-degree murder. He also pleaded guilty to mayhem.

The victim's family members made impact statements in Victorville court Friday before Judge Eric Nakata sentenced Schafer based on the plea agreement.

Her brother and sisters said Hanning did whatever she could to take care of them mentally and financially like their mother.

Duane Hanning, the victim's father, said he still has nightmares of the way she had been killed. The victim's nephews and nieces keep asking him where their aunt is.

"July 4 will never be the same. Thanks to you murderer," Duane Hanning said in his impact statement, choking with emotion. Schafer swiveled in his chair, staring at the victim's family.

"Mr. Schafer, would you like to say anything?" Nakata asked.

The defendant shook his head several times.

Schafer could be eligible for parole after 23 and half years if he behaves in prison.

Tomoya Shimura may be reached at (760) 955-5368 or TShimura@VVDailyPress.com. Follow Tomoya on Facebook at facebook.com/ShimuraTomoya.

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